Harriet Wetton
Many people are captivated by sports for different reasons. For some, it’s the excitement and thrill that comes from watching elite athletes do what they do best. For others, it’s about community and being part of something bigger than themselves.
If you are passionate about sports but being an athlete isn’t your thing, the good news is that there are numerous ways to be involved in sports beyond being an athlete. The sports industry is broad and caters to various interests and talents.
Career opportunities in sports include sports management, sports journalism, sports medicine, sports coaching, sports nutrition, etc. So, you are bound to find something related to your passion.
For those with a flair for business, sports management presents a unique opportunity to combine your passion for sports with your love for business. Become a part of the backroom staff that keeps sports teams running seamlessly.
Below, you’ll find how to become a sports manager and the essential qualities you should possess to excel. Here they are:
What Does a Sports Manager Do?
A sports manager deals primarily with the business and administrative aspects of running a sports team. They are responsible for day-to-day operations, including facility management, player management, public relations, and marketing. Sports managers also organize, plan, and promote sporting events.
A sports manager’s responsibilities will depend on the organization’s size and scope. But generally, the duties of a sports manager include:
Player or Athlete Management:
They manage athletes, negotiate contracts, handle transfers or trades, and oversee their overall well-being. Sports managers also try to get the best out of players and maximize individual and collective performance.
Strategies to optimize player and team performance include individualized training, performance analysis, emotional support, and reward/recognition for outstanding performance. The latter is usually achieved through verbal praise and awards like football trophies or something appropriate for their sports, team awards, leadership roles, performance bonuses, etc.
Organizational Management:
Sports managers usually manage the day-to-day operations of their sports organizations. They handle staffing, scheduling, and coordination of activities.
Marketing and Promotion:
Sports managers often work closely with upper management and marketing and promotion teams to develop strategies to enhance the visibility and commercial success of the team or organization. They contribute to branding, marketing campaigns, community engagement, social media presence, etc.
Strategic Planning:
Sports managers help their organizations develop long-term goals and strategies to achieve organizational objectives, identify opportunities for growth and expansion, and adapt to changes in the sports industry.
How to Become a Sports Manager
Individuals from diverse educational backgrounds can pursue a career in sports management and achieve success. However, for a more targeted approach, consider the following process:
Earn a Degree:
Pursuing a business administration or sports management degree offers a solid foundation and valuable credentials. If your undergraduate discipline doesn’t align with these fields, consider pursuing a postgraduate degree in sports management to acquire specialized knowledge and skills.
Gain Experience:
Practical experience is valuable in sports management, and you should consider internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in sports organizations for hands-on experience. Working alongside professionals in the field gives you insights into day-to-day operations, challenges, and best practices.
Stay Updated:
The sports industry is constantly evolving, so stay informed about current trends, technologies, and developments in sports management.
Networking:
Like in many professions, networking can help advance your career and connect you with the broader sports management community. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and utilize social media to connect with professionals in the field.
Essential Qualities to Excel as a Sports Manager
The sports industry is very competitive and dynamic. To excel as a sports manager, there are certain traits or qualities you must possess. Knowing what you need to succeed means you can evaluate yourself to know your strengths and weaknesses.
Some of the essential traits for success in sports management include:
Leadership:
Being a sports manager requires overseeing various aspects of sports organizations, teams, and events. You must lead and motivate other staff members to achieve shared goals.
Sometimes, you need to make tough decisions, resolve conflicts, and inspire others. And leadership acumen is integral to achieving all these. Fortunately, you can continuously improve your leadership skills if you are willing to put in the work.
Passion for Sports:
We tend to perform better at things we are passionate about, don’t we? Your love for sports can drive success, motivating you to go above and beyond.
Business Acumen:
As discussed earlier, there is a financial aspect to the role of sports managers. You’ll need a good understanding of finances and other business aspects to thrive in the role.
Networking Abilities:
You must be a people person as a sports manager. You need to build and maintain good relationships with players, coaches, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
Conclusion
Sports management can be a rewarding career for people with a passion for sports and business. While most of your work will be behind the scenes, you’ll be integral to the smooth running of any sporting organization you work for. We hope the information provided in this article is enough to get you started on an exciting journey.
